Normally there are more natural elements on the nature table, but living in Minnesota limits what is available outside. I suppose I could go out and get some branches, but in just a couple of months the snow will be melted and there will be easier access to a wide range of natural elements.
So, instead this month I simply put out a playscape that I made last year (one of the first ones I made, so it is incredibly basic without much detail), some blue cloth, a King Winter doll, candles, gnomes, elves, wool snowman, and some toy sleds.
It's been interesting watching Olivia (who will be six on Sunday), play with these different elements. By providing just the basics, her imagination is allowed to create whatever scene and scenarios she wants. Each time it is different...but with these same characters.
A key element of Waldorf toys, and playscapes such as this one, is that they are simple in form, and that each one has significant "free" space to give a child physical room to move their characters as they wish. The idea is to provide a “jumping off point”...or a roughly "sketched canvas" only.
A playscape (or playmat) is a toy that will spark their interest and allow them to create their own world as they see fit, their own imagined details, and their own stories.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Homeschool Math Lesson
In addition to traditionally learning math, games are a great way for the girls to learn math skills. That's one of the things I love about homeschooling the girls - the flexibility to teach in different ways that reach them.
For today's math lesson, we're playing Farm-opoly. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, money management, decision-making skills... all are covered with this game.
For today's math lesson, we're playing Farm-opoly. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, money management, decision-making skills... all are covered with this game.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Making Bird Suet
One of the things that brings a lot of enjoyment at home is watching the birds. Throughout the years, more trees have been planted on the property (especially pine trees which provide year-round shelter), and additional bird feeders have been hung in the trees.
Last year, I found a recipe that the birds seem to particularly like. It's from an Amish cookbook. The introduction to the recipe says, "The Amish so appreciate the birds in their yards that they have devised any number of ways to entice these feathered friends to their feeders.
This recipe for summer suet (suet is actually trimmed hard beef fat; lard is renedered pork fat) is a good example. It also can be used in the winter, but the advantage of it is that it doesn't turn rancid or melt in the heat of summer.
It's a good use for any odds and ends of nuts left over from baking."
The recipe is:
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 cup lard, at room temperature
2 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant)
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
Leftover nuts of any kind
Melt the peanut butter and lard together over medium heat. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pans. Cool and then cut into squares. Wrap extra squares in plastic wrap and store in a cool place until needed.
I put the suet into existing suet feeders as well as put some into mesh onion bags that I hung in new locations.
Because the temperatures during the past week have been in the 25 degree BELOW zero range, having the suet in lots of different locations is, I feel, good for the birds so food is readily accessible.
Last year, I found a recipe that the birds seem to particularly like. It's from an Amish cookbook. The introduction to the recipe says, "The Amish so appreciate the birds in their yards that they have devised any number of ways to entice these feathered friends to their feeders.
This recipe for summer suet (suet is actually trimmed hard beef fat; lard is renedered pork fat) is a good example. It also can be used in the winter, but the advantage of it is that it doesn't turn rancid or melt in the heat of summer.
It's a good use for any odds and ends of nuts left over from baking."
The recipe is:
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 cup lard, at room temperature
2 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant)
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
Leftover nuts of any kind
Melt the peanut butter and lard together over medium heat. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pans. Cool and then cut into squares. Wrap extra squares in plastic wrap and store in a cool place until needed.
I put the suet into existing suet feeders as well as put some into mesh onion bags that I hung in new locations.
Because the temperatures during the past week have been in the 25 degree BELOW zero range, having the suet in lots of different locations is, I feel, good for the birds so food is readily accessible.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Public Speaking Skills for Children
I teach a Home Ec class each week, and the semester ended January 12th. For the last class, I had each of the girls make a brief presentation about the two special projects they did outside of class.
The audience included other children and adults, and - from a child's perspective - it looked like they were presenting to quite a few people.
I think it's important that my daughters have opportunities to make presentations to people of all ages - especially since they are homeschooled. They can be very comfortable talking one-on-one and within a family, but they need to be equally comfortable talking in front of others.
This was an good introduction to public speaking for my daughters, and something that they appeared to enjoy doing.
The audience included other children and adults, and - from a child's perspective - it looked like they were presenting to quite a few people.
I think it's important that my daughters have opportunities to make presentations to people of all ages - especially since they are homeschooled. They can be very comfortable talking one-on-one and within a family, but they need to be equally comfortable talking in front of others.
This was an good introduction to public speaking for my daughters, and something that they appeared to enjoy doing.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Try One Creative Thing Each Day
My goal is to do at least one creative thing each day. It can be something quick (like an artist trading card) or more involved (like working on a quilt).
I also try to do a mix of things I'm comfortable with (for example, playing a song on the piano that I learned many years ago and that comes easy) and things that are a new skill or project (like this paper snowflake with roses on each point).
Not only does doing something creative keep me challenged and feed by spirit; but it provides a good model for my daughters to follow. It seems like every time I am making something, they eagerly get their art box or find art supplies and sit down and create something along side me.
I see their comfort with the process of art and creating increase each time they sit down and do something creative. As their skill level develops in different areas in the arts (visual arts, music), their willingness to try new things also increases which is exciting.
I also try to do a mix of things I'm comfortable with (for example, playing a song on the piano that I learned many years ago and that comes easy) and things that are a new skill or project (like this paper snowflake with roses on each point).
Not only does doing something creative keep me challenged and feed by spirit; but it provides a good model for my daughters to follow. It seems like every time I am making something, they eagerly get their art box or find art supplies and sit down and create something along side me.
I see their comfort with the process of art and creating increase each time they sit down and do something creative. As their skill level develops in different areas in the arts (visual arts, music), their willingness to try new things also increases which is exciting.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Natural Toys
I've been enjoying creating patterns recently by taking two-dimensional images and making them into three-dimensional toys.
This particular toy came from an image on Flickr. A woman had created felt stuffed animal, but it didn't stand on its own. I wanted to create a small toy that would have four legs and be able to stand up (versus being propped up).
The zebra I made stands about 3 inches tall. It is made with wool felt and hand sewn/embroidered. There are 12 pieces in three different colors of wool that were used to make this toy. It is sewn with cotton embroidery floss, and stuffed with wool from sheep that I use to raise.
Although this one was sent to Italy, I've already had requests from my daughters to make more zebras...one for each of them. They enjoy playing with the natural toys I make, and it's good knowing that the items are all safe for them to play with: wool felt, cotton floss, and sheep wool stuffing.
This particular toy came from an image on Flickr. A woman had created felt stuffed animal, but it didn't stand on its own. I wanted to create a small toy that would have four legs and be able to stand up (versus being propped up).
The zebra I made stands about 3 inches tall. It is made with wool felt and hand sewn/embroidered. There are 12 pieces in three different colors of wool that were used to make this toy. It is sewn with cotton embroidery floss, and stuffed with wool from sheep that I use to raise.
Although this one was sent to Italy, I've already had requests from my daughters to make more zebras...one for each of them. They enjoy playing with the natural toys I make, and it's good knowing that the items are all safe for them to play with: wool felt, cotton floss, and sheep wool stuffing.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Handmade Gifts
I made this quilt for Sophia for Christmas. It is based on the pattern in "Bend the Rules Sewing" - a book I checked out from the library.
Modified the pattern by choosing more fabric patterns (there is significance to some beyond color...for example, one has butterflies on it because Sophia loves to raise butterflies in the summer, one has dance shoes because she likes to dance); making it into a quilt that fits a twin bed (rather than a lap quilt); and hand tying the quilt (rather than sewing all 3 layers by machine).
It is stuffed with wool from sheep I use to raise many years ago.
I enjoy making handmade gifts for the girls, especially when I see how excited they are when they receive and use them. Some of my favorite things I received are those that people have made for me - my Grandma's wood recipe box that my dad repaired so I could have; my other Grandma's hand-crocheted afghan; Christmas ornaments that my mom made for me throughout the years; and hand-drawn and hand-painted pictures that my daughters have made since they were little.
Modified the pattern by choosing more fabric patterns (there is significance to some beyond color...for example, one has butterflies on it because Sophia loves to raise butterflies in the summer, one has dance shoes because she likes to dance); making it into a quilt that fits a twin bed (rather than a lap quilt); and hand tying the quilt (rather than sewing all 3 layers by machine).
It is stuffed with wool from sheep I use to raise many years ago.
I enjoy making handmade gifts for the girls, especially when I see how excited they are when they receive and use them. Some of my favorite things I received are those that people have made for me - my Grandma's wood recipe box that my dad repaired so I could have; my other Grandma's hand-crocheted afghan; Christmas ornaments that my mom made for me throughout the years; and hand-drawn and hand-painted pictures that my daughters have made since they were little.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Traditions
Having traditions is very important in children's lives. They are something they can anticipate and count on happening at regular intervals - whether its annually, semi-annually, monthly, or weekly.
One of the traditions that the girls look forward to is preparing for Santa's visit each year. On Christmas Eve, they make reindeer food (oats and candy sprinkles); and peel and cut carrots for the reindeer.
They choose 2 cookies and fill a glass of water for Santa and place it on the dining room table.
They write (or dictate and I write for them) a letter to Santa, and then place it next to the cookie plate so Santa can write a note back to them.
And then, with a lot of excitement (yet being quite serious with such an important task), they open the window that overlooks the mudroom roof. They carefully spread the oats and carrots on the roof, and then talk about how Santa's reindeers will land on the roof. They hope that they've provided enough food to give them energy for the night...or until the next family feeds them.
The girls then are able to open one present before they head off to bed early..."because we wouldn't want Santa to fly right over the house because you're awake!"
It's amazing how quickly they fall asleep...despite their excitement.
One of the traditions that the girls look forward to is preparing for Santa's visit each year. On Christmas Eve, they make reindeer food (oats and candy sprinkles); and peel and cut carrots for the reindeer.
They choose 2 cookies and fill a glass of water for Santa and place it on the dining room table.
They write (or dictate and I write for them) a letter to Santa, and then place it next to the cookie plate so Santa can write a note back to them.
And then, with a lot of excitement (yet being quite serious with such an important task), they open the window that overlooks the mudroom roof. They carefully spread the oats and carrots on the roof, and then talk about how Santa's reindeers will land on the roof. They hope that they've provided enough food to give them energy for the night...or until the next family feeds them.
The girls then are able to open one present before they head off to bed early..."because we wouldn't want Santa to fly right over the house because you're awake!"
It's amazing how quickly they fall asleep...despite their excitement.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Playing Outdoors in the Winter
The girls enjoy playing outdoors now that there's more snow on the ground. They can lose track of time as they make snow angels, build snow forts, and shovel paths through the backyard.
The dogs also spend time outside with the girls, and they explore the nature trail together. It's fun for the girls and dogs to find the tracks in the snow left by rabbits, pheasants, birds, and other wildlife.
So many opportunities for outdoor learning and exercise - two elements of homeschooling that complement what the girls are learning indoors.
The dogs also spend time outside with the girls, and they explore the nature trail together. It's fun for the girls and dogs to find the tracks in the snow left by rabbits, pheasants, birds, and other wildlife.
So many opportunities for outdoor learning and exercise - two elements of homeschooling that complement what the girls are learning indoors.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Christmas Window Stars
One of the benefits of being sick is that I seem to have a bit more time to do creative work since I don't have the energy to do much else.
Tried two new patterns of window stars - the one on the left hand side (the smallest one) and the ten-pointed star. The five-pointed star I've done before, but in a different color.
These are three of the stars that will be in the windows for Christmas. Made green ones and white ones as well.
I think it is important to have simple decorations around the home that allow my daughters to focus on pattern and color. The girls are always so excited to see what new patterns and colors I'm making when I make the stars.
Many of the stars I make are for customers for Harvest Moon by Hand (my Etsy shop). Needless to say, when I told Sophia and Olivia that this most recent batch of stars I was making was for them to decorate the windows, they were thrilled.
Simple pleasures can delight children and bring happiness to their days. It was so evident when the girls were told they could decorate the windows for Christmas with the stars. I'm finding that the more frugal, handmade holiday decorations and gifts are just as meaningful to Sophia and Olivia this year. For that...I am truly thankful.
Tried two new patterns of window stars - the one on the left hand side (the smallest one) and the ten-pointed star. The five-pointed star I've done before, but in a different color.
These are three of the stars that will be in the windows for Christmas. Made green ones and white ones as well.
I think it is important to have simple decorations around the home that allow my daughters to focus on pattern and color. The girls are always so excited to see what new patterns and colors I'm making when I make the stars.
Many of the stars I make are for customers for Harvest Moon by Hand (my Etsy shop). Needless to say, when I told Sophia and Olivia that this most recent batch of stars I was making was for them to decorate the windows, they were thrilled.
Simple pleasures can delight children and bring happiness to their days. It was so evident when the girls were told they could decorate the windows for Christmas with the stars. I'm finding that the more frugal, handmade holiday decorations and gifts are just as meaningful to Sophia and Olivia this year. For that...I am truly thankful.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Preparing for St. Lucia Day
At the weekly Home Ec class I teach to this group of homeschool girls, the focus was on St. Lucia and the yearly celebration on December 13th (St. Lucia Day).
Read "Hannah's Christmas" which the girls enjoyed. Had a variety of handouts that they could color at home related to Sweden, St. Lucia, St. Lucia's Day, holiday decorations in Sweden (ones made of straw), and three-pronged candles (to represent the Wise Men).
Made Lucia buns and Swedish hard tack prior to class so the girls could taste some Swedish treats. They also tasted Anna's Ginger Thins, Polka Mints (VERY good and strong peppermint candies), and Swedish fish.
They learned about cardamom and saffron, the part of the flower that saffron comes from, and tasted cardamom which was used instead of saffron in the recipes.
Sophia is dressed up as St. Lucia in this picture, Olivia is Star Boy (with her crown falling off...her head is a bit too small for the crown). Two of the girls are holding books that relate to St. Lucia Day, and the other is holding a straw decoration that was from Gammelgarden (an historic Swedish site in Scandia, Minnesota).
On December 6th, the local church in Scandia held a St. Lucia tea party which the girls and I attended. They had a fun time seeing St. Lucia, listening to a violin/guitar duo, and sampling Swedish treats.
Afterwards, we visited Gammelgarden to see their holiday display. The lobby was decorated with gnomes of all sizes. It was quite festive.
For more pictures from St. Lucia preparations, St. Lucia tea party, or Gammelgarden, please visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/picturesbyann
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A Visit from St. Nicholas
In preparation for St. Nicholas Day, I read the girls books about St. Nicholas and the impact he made on people during his time. They learn about the tradition of St. Nicholas Day around the world. By December 5th, they are eager for a visit from St. Nicholas.
On the evening of December 5th, the girls place their shoes in the mudroom. They need assurance that the outside door will be unlocked so St. Nicholas can get inside and fill their shoes. They go to bed and try to fall asleep right away so St. Nicholas doesn't pass by the house.
In the morning on December 6th, they eagerly go to the mudroom to see what was left in their shoes. This year, St. Nicholas brought them a tiny doll, an ornament from Slovakia, and a pack of gum since each of them love to chew gum (helps with sensory issues since both have sensory integration dysfunction).
They were little gifts...but the girls were so excited. It's something they look forward to...a simple tradition that they can count on and remember throughout the year.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Sophia and Olivia Making a Korean Dinner
As part of homeschooling, I do a monthly geography unit (an ABC journey around the world). The girls are now on "K" and I've chosen Korea for them to study (both North and South Korea).
Generally, the girls learn where the country is, what the flag looks like, clothing typical to the area, listen to music from the featured country, do art projects, look at and include postage stamps from the country they are learning about, and cook various recipes.
Cooking, by far, is what the girls enjoy most about the unit studies. They have made and tasted food from: Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, and now Korea.
When Sophia was adopted, there was a layover in South Korea. Got a small taste of what South Korea was like, and enjoyed being there.
The girls are helping make dinner which is rice noodles with stir-fried vegetables and beef. The top of the dish is garnished with eggs. Sophia is chopping some of the vegetables in the picture above. Olivia and Sophia are ready to eat in the picture below. Both girls enjoyed the dinner.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Homemade Christmas Decorations
The girls love to decorate the refrigerator with their art work. So, the centerpiece of Olivia's side of the refrigerator is the handprint Christmas tree she's creating.
I clipped this idea from a magazine many years ago. It actually was done on a white sweatshirt with fabric paints. The children's hands were much smaller and put closer together so you couldn't see the prints as clearly.
For Olivia's picture, I painted her hand with green paint and then helped her press her hand on the sheet of white paper as shown in the picture.
She used a paintbrush to paint the tree trunk and snow. The ornaments (red, yellow, and purple) were added all over the tree.
Olivia was very happy with how her tree turned out, and had a lot of fun in the process.
I clipped this idea from a magazine many years ago. It actually was done on a white sweatshirt with fabric paints. The children's hands were much smaller and put closer together so you couldn't see the prints as clearly.
For Olivia's picture, I painted her hand with green paint and then helped her press her hand on the sheet of white paper as shown in the picture.
She used a paintbrush to paint the tree trunk and snow. The ornaments (red, yellow, and purple) were added all over the tree.
Olivia was very happy with how her tree turned out, and had a lot of fun in the process.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Making Handmade Gifts for Christmas
This year the girls are learning to make several handmade gifts for Christmas. Sophia is making a handprint Santa card. She painted her hand white and pressed it onto a piece of green paper to represent Santa's beard.
She cut a piece of red paper out for the hat and glued it to the paper. Then she glued two googlie eyes on. With her finger, she put two pink dots to represent Santa's cheeks and one black dot on his beard for his mouth. There's also a row of white dots along his hat.
It's a simple craft, but one that she enjoyed doing.
She cut a piece of red paper out for the hat and glued it to the paper. Then she glued two googlie eyes on. With her finger, she put two pink dots to represent Santa's cheeks and one black dot on his beard for his mouth. There's also a row of white dots along his hat.
It's a simple craft, but one that she enjoyed doing.
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